As can be seen from the list of herbs below, many of the nervine relaxants also have other properties and can be selected to aid in related problems. This is one of the great benefits of using herbal remedies to help in stress and anxiety problems. The physical symptoms that can so often accompany the ill-ease of anxiety may be treated with herbs that work on the anxiety itself.

In addition to the herbs that work directly on the nervous system, the anti-spasmodic herbs - which affect the peripheral nerves and the muscle tissue - can have an indirect relaxing effect on the whole system. When the physical body is at ease, ease in the psyche is promoted. Many of the nervine relaxants have this anti-spasmodic action. Also refer to hypnotics, which in lower dosage will have a relaxing action on the mind and body.

Nervine Relaxants for Different Parts of the Body
Each system of the body has plants that are particularly suited to it, some of which are nervines. Here we shall see which relaxing nervines have an affinity for each of these systems.

Circulatory system: Balm, Linden and Motherwort, while each being mild sedatives, are helpful to the cardiovascular system. However, most remedies that reduce over activity in the nervous system will aid the heart and problems such as high blood pressure.

Respiratory system: Most sedatives will help in over-tense chest problems such as asthma, but specifically we can mention Black Cohosh, Blood Root, Bugleweed, Cowslip, Lobelia, Motherwort, Wild Cherry Bark and Wild Lettuce.

Digestive system: All the anti-spasmodic remedies may be of value here to ease colic, but sedatives that actively aid digestion include Balm, Chamomile and Lavender.

Urinary system: By relaxing the system there may be an increase in water loss. This, however, does not make the herbs involved diuretics. Saw Palmetto is a gentle sedative that does work on the urinary system.

Reproductive system: Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Crampbark, Motherwort, Saw Palmetto and Wild Lettuce all have an affinity for this system.

Muscles and Skeleton: All sedative remedies will ease muscular tension and thus pain in this complex system. Remedies to bear in mind are Black Cohosh, Bladder wrack, Crampbark and Wild Yam.

Nervous system: All the remedies mentioned relate here.

Skin: All these remedies may help the skin in an indirect way, but these herbs have a good reputation for the skin: Red Clover, St. John's Wort, Pasque Flower and Black Cohosh.

Nervine Relaxants